We are pleased to introduce our new Neurofeedback Brain-Training Program to increase attention, balance emotions and promote behavioral self-regulation. Neurofeedback Brain-Training is appropriate for youths and adults.

What is Neurofeedback?

Different parts of the brain produce various numbers of brainwaves each second. There are slow, medium and fast brainwaves. Each is helpful when it occurs at appropriate times and unhelpful when it occurs at inappropriate times.

In neurofeedback, sensors are placed on different areas of the head to measure the strength of brainwaves, much like by placing your fingers on your wrist you can detect and count your heart beats. We measure the strength of slow brainwaves useful for relaxation and sleep, and fast brainwaves useful for altertness and quick response time. We also identify the presence of patterns corresponding with:

• Attention Difficulties, often involving brainwave activity that is too slow in the front of the brain
• Low Mood/Depression, commonly associated with brainwave activity that is too slow on the left side of the brain
• Stress/Anxiety, which involves excessive high speed brainwaves in various regions of the brain

Once problematic patterns are identified, a “brain-computer interfaced” video program is set to provide positive feedback (e.g., brighter video, louder sounds, or faster video game action) when the brainwaves detected by the sensors on the scalp are in the range of optimal functioning (e.g., improved attention, better mood, less anxiety or greater behavioral self-regulation).

All the client needs to do is watch the video, and the brain automatically learns to produce the patterns of brainwaves consistent with more adaptive functioning.

What Does Training Involve?

Participation in the BFDC Neurofeedback Brain-Training Program will include:

1. An initial interview to determine problems and goals
2. A computerized neurobehavioral testing session
3. A brainwave (EEG) assessment session
4. A session to review the assessment results and the proposed treatment plan
5. Regularly scheduled 50-minute neurofeedback sessions, ideally twice per week, including both brainwave training and learning various cognitive behavioral techniques helpful for the presenting problems and goals.

Does It Work?

As with any form of health, wellbeing, or educational intervention, people vary in how helpful a given strategy is in solving their problems and accomplishing their goals. While results can never be guaranteed for a specific person, research has found benefits of neurofeedback for both youth and adults.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in its “Evidence-based Child and Adolescent Psycho- social Interventions” has elevated neurofeedback to “Level 1 — Best Support” as an intervention for difficulties with attention and hyperactivity.
• Whereas medications work as long as they are taken, neurofeedback creates new habits in the brain and is therefore capable of producing lasting results.
• The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, in its book “Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback,” has listed neurofeedback as “efficacious and specific” for ADHD and “Efficacious” for depression. A variety of biofeedback techniques, including neurofeedback, are listed as “Efficacious” for anxiety.

How Long Does Neurofeedback Take?

Depending on the problem or goals being addressed and a given client’s response, neurofeedback usually ranges in length from about 20 to 60 sessions. Progress is tracked each session, and after about 15 sessions it can be determined whether neurofeedback is likely to be helpful. If not, the treatment plan is modified and other strategies are proposed.

The BDFC Neurofeedback Brain-Training Program will be run by Dr. Doug Seiden, Director of the BFDC Therapy Department, who is a NJ/NY-Licensed Clinical Psychologist, NJ-Certified school psychologist, Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and is Board Certified in Neurofeedback.